tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post3109527306544766229..comments2023-05-02T05:34:32.964-04:00Comments on The Varsity Letters: Friday night thoughts, Week 6Moehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13612323587459830074noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-36291474810540851532010-10-19T16:32:16.251-04:002010-10-19T16:32:16.251-04:00Ok I read post after post about Clairton, about pa...Ok I read post after post about Clairton, about past prejudice and MVMFL and more. How good they are, how great, and then it comes back to the parents,fans and disrespect to others. Their right WPIAL can't stop that but maybe if nobody replies to the absurd commenting or just boycotts them they can really show how great their prejudice and disrespect for others can cost them championships. Oh and way was Nola the quarterback if the second string was in, just asking? In my eyes Clairton seems to never understand why cheating, lying and disrespect just has no place in FOOTBALL. Get the CLUE?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-44985576504228639492010-10-17T12:45:59.881-04:002010-10-17T12:45:59.881-04:00I'm originally from Clairton now living in Jef...I'm originally from Clairton now living in Jefferson and I've read many comments about how arrogant and unsportsmanlike the players and the fans are and I find it laughable for someone to make these comments who haven't walked a mile in our shoes. For too many years I've traveled to away games to have visiting fans make remarks about our ability to read and speak in sentences. Although I have a bachelors degree and am working towards my MBA they see only a black man wearing Clairton's colors. Sportsmanship extends beyond the playing field. Far too many times during the playoffs I've had to travel much further than the opposition's fans and sit on the visiting teams sideline although Clairton was the higher ranked team and considered the home team for a playoff game. Shame on you WPIAL. To comment on whether or not the Bears could play well against Triple A or Quad A teams, well they are all high school kids and the better football player will still be the better football player. The larger classifications may have an advantage in substitutions, platooning and not every kid having to play every special team. But I'd NEVER count against the 2009 or 2010 Bear teams. The talent and senior leadership of the 2009 team and the confidence and heart of the 2010 team give me good reason to feel that Clairton could play with anyone (in any State). I was at the game where we took a knee at the start of the 3rd Quarter and I was upset because it was the 3rd string quarterback in the game who needed some work. To address the comments that Clairton leaves the starters in all game, NO THEY DON"T. They do substitute in the 3rd and 4th quarters but keep in mind with only 35 players on the team they don't really have a full 3rd string. So although you may see some players in the 4th quarter that you saw at kick off it's only due to necessity. In conclusion THESE ARE KIDS. Let's, as adults, allow them to enjoy playing sports in high school. And be proud of them when they win and lift them up IF they lose.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-61935023978164162522010-10-15T03:55:12.313-04:002010-10-15T03:55:12.313-04:00Despite being a diehard Ringgold fan, I must say I...Despite being a diehard Ringgold fan, I must say I am an Ed Dalton fan as well. He has pumped out some good players and runs a respectable program. Whatever is going on at Trinity is a mistake and I bet the Trinity football program will regress if Dalton leaves. People out there must not remember how bad Trinity used to be... With that said, GO RAMS.Rod Keith Taylornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-68629541370304122362010-10-14T09:08:16.863-04:002010-10-14T09:08:16.863-04:00@Keith..It is a good thing that football keeps th...@Keith..It is a good thing that football keeps the players off the streets; maybe an opportunity to go to college. The dislike for Clairton isnt about because they are the team to beat. TJ has been the team to beat for years in AAA and where is the venom for that program? There isnt any - at least from the players and coach perspective. Because Cherpak is old school and doesnt take crap from his players and teaches them discipline and respect and they in turn play that way.<br /><br /> Just because players might be low-income or lack a traditional family unit shouldnt give them a free pass when they arent respectful. When the team is doing pushups near an opponents team huddle (post game), for that I blame the coaches more than the kids. The adult coaches need to set the tone with respect and winning with class and that is lacking over the yrs at Clairton too.Sarcastic Swordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-35169128441799595252010-10-14T00:42:38.076-04:002010-10-14T00:42:38.076-04:00Bottom line is Clairton is the team to beat. No o...Bottom line is Clairton is the team to beat. No one likes the team to beat. I wish Clairton the best of luck the remainder of the season. Whatever personal reservations people have towards Clairton should just be dismissed. These are HS athletes trying to do something. Football is keeping some of these boys off the streets and other, well it is giving them an oppurtunity to go to college. <br /><br />I do continually hear Clairton beat teams by sizable margins. Clairton cannot help that they are as good as they are. <br /><br />So wih this said, GO RAMS.R. Keith Taylornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-79194195370226194702010-10-13T23:21:30.005-04:002010-10-13T23:21:30.005-04:00I do believe this is Dalton's last year.
As ...I do believe this is Dalton's last year. <br /><br />As for the impact, it depends on the hire. As with many situations where a coach has been in a certain situation for an extended period like Dalton at Trinity,there tends to be a drop-off at first.<br /><br />Trinity should be careful what it wished for in regards to its football coaching situation.mike_kovakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07347414304708608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-74121650683727662962010-10-13T23:01:25.293-04:002010-10-13T23:01:25.293-04:00How about that Central Valley!?!?! They seem to ha...How about that Central Valley!?!?! They seem to have made a heck of a smooth transition to the Triple A class after the schools joining! Everyone is calling Montour the team to beat in AAA and Central Valley gave them about all they could handle.Ostaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-90884088558724702652010-10-13T22:48:51.871-04:002010-10-13T22:48:51.871-04:00Mike, I have another question about Trinity. Do yo...Mike, I have another question about Trinity. Do you think it's a sure bet that Dalton is gone after this season? If so, do you think it will negatively effect the program and to what extent? Thanks.Ostaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-25554779827252501942010-10-13T21:30:53.792-04:002010-10-13T21:30:53.792-04:00Here's my final thoughts. I think we all need ...Here's my final thoughts. I think we all need to be real with ourselves for a minute. The only out of state power I think Clairton could hang with is Cocoa and that's because its a school that is similar makeup to Clairton. About the same size of a roster, speed all over the place, and decent size. There's a reason why the Bears don't play 4A or 3A ball. Its doubtful that we make the playoffs playing Peters Townships schedule. With that said on a given Friday we could give USC, Woody High problems. The Bears speed on the edges would give any 4A school problems in a one or 2 games series. But the grind of a 4A or 3A schedule would eventually overwhelm the Bears. It shouldn't be debatable. Pittsburgh Courier ranked Clairton as the best team in the WPIAL FWIW. 1A football is where the Bears belong. What I wished the WPIAL did was have multiclass conferences like the rest of the state. That allows schools like Clairton to play some bigger schools and smaller schools which would help Clairton for the state playoff grind.Joey Niklashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12736900502605081239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-63995709560452440522010-10-13T21:03:23.945-04:002010-10-13T21:03:23.945-04:00there really isnt much left to say. They hate us,...there really isnt much left to say. They hate us, we dont like them much either. case closed.THE Clairton Bearsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-87523780889494512082010-10-13T20:08:52.108-04:002010-10-13T20:08:52.108-04:00@anon 7:21 p.m.
Didn't cover the PT-USC game ...@anon 7:21 p.m.<br /><br />Didn't cover the PT-USC game but it sounds like PT help beat themselves, which never works against USC.<br /><br />PT should make the playoffs but it's looking more like the Indians will be on the road in the first round.mike_kovakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07347414304708608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-90676603712379565452010-10-13T20:05:41.071-04:002010-10-13T20:05:41.071-04:00And, btw people, this conversation needs to get a ...And, btw people, this conversation needs to get a whole lot more constructive soon and a whole lot less repetitive or I'm putting my two cents in before ending the thing.<br /><br />If some of you can't get the answers to the non-stop questions you continually ask in these responses, you are obviously not reading them.<br /><br />Getting tired. Getting very tired.mike_kovakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07347414304708608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-5932363353812266282010-10-13T19:57:29.735-04:002010-10-13T19:57:29.735-04:00Didn't read the article Alum, just going by wh...Didn't read the article Alum, just going by what I was told.mike_kovakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07347414304708608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-13175525385359116992010-10-13T19:31:37.175-04:002010-10-13T19:31:37.175-04:00Yohe's exact quote from the article:
".....Yohe's exact quote from the article:<br /><br />"...Regardless, the second Rood called a timeout and yelled at Nola, the Clairton coach should have told each of his players they were suspended for the next week if they didnt put up 100 points"<br /><br />later in the article:<br /><br />"Clairton plays against a decent Brentwood team this week. Green and the rest of Clairton's starters should stay on the field for the entire game. if they score 100, whats the big deal? They embarrass every opponent they play, regardless of the score. If people want to be critical of Clairton in a season when Nola refuses to run up the score, this presents the perfect opportunity for Nola to get his revenge."<br /><br />I dont know Mike...take it however you want...but those were quotes word for word from the article.Clairton Alumnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-26364550922343634502010-10-13T19:21:15.584-04:002010-10-13T19:21:15.584-04:00hey mike what happened to pt? I was at the south f...hey mike what happened to pt? I was at the south fayette game, but I heard they were losing 21-2 at half? I kinda thought they were betterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-40004641545001995622010-10-13T19:15:07.607-04:002010-10-13T19:15:07.607-04:00How bout them South Fayette Lions?How bout them South Fayette Lions?mike_kovakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07347414304708608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-24965269146086402142010-10-13T19:14:07.929-04:002010-10-13T19:14:07.929-04:00How bout them Ringgold Rams?How bout them Ringgold Rams?mike_kovakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07347414304708608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-26318282070480062462010-10-13T19:13:52.271-04:002010-10-13T19:13:52.271-04:00Spoke with the guys over at the Daily News today. ...Spoke with the guys over at the Daily News today. <br /><br />Yohe's column centers more around Clairton taking it easy and still scoring 60 points on teams, a dangerous habit that could bite them in a competitive postseason game.<br /><br />He is not encouraging Clairton to score 100 points and rub it in.mike_kovakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07347414304708608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-65026908761416835922010-10-13T17:37:57.344-04:002010-10-13T17:37:57.344-04:00what makes you people think that Clairton couldnt ...what makes you people think that Clairton couldnt beat a good triple A or quad A team? I want you detractors to do me a favor. Go look up the schedules and scores for Southern Columbia, Steel High, Bishop McCort, and Farrell from the last few years. These are all Class A teams. I want you to see who these teams play...especially Southern, Steel High, and BM. Week in and week out its AA, AAA, and occasionally a AAAA team. They not only hold their own but win those games. SOUTHERN GAVE SELINSGROVE, THE UNDEFEATED AAA CHAMPION THERE CLOSEST GAME OF THE YEAR AT 35-28 AND SOUTHERN DIDNT EVEN MAKE IT TO CLASS A STATE SEMI'S. Clairton won the State Championship last year in Class A. They were better than BM, better than southern, better than these teams that play higher classed competition week in and week out. I guess we'll never know if Clairton can beat AAA and AAAA teams because, quite frankly, I think those teams are afraid to play and schedule Clairton. Yeah, I said it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-78458014532770162852010-10-13T17:29:11.885-04:002010-10-13T17:29:11.885-04:00What perfect timing for an article to be written a...What perfect timing for an article to be written about this very subject regarding Clairton. Its not available on line unless you have a subscription, but today in the daily news written by Josh Yohe is an article about the Bears. The article backs up EVERYTHING that all of the Clairton fans have been saying for the last few weeks now. Despite popular opinion, Clairton has been the good guy this year. Four of the six games played have been played without a personal foul or unsportsmanlike penalty against Clairton. There have been no pregame antics or post game push ups. Josh Yohe, a sportswriter, is calling for the bears to quit playing nice and score 100 on these next three teams. Pick up the daily news and read it for yourself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-61709196905017349442010-10-13T16:50:52.727-04:002010-10-13T16:50:52.727-04:00any disciplined quad a, and most triple a teams co...any disciplined quad a, and most triple a teams could beat clairton...and I mean any...USC, Lebo, tj...good teams that play with discipline would win, no doubt.. if they got down by 2 scores, they'd all be arguing amongst themselvesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-40298517262435105642010-10-13T14:17:02.624-04:002010-10-13T14:17:02.624-04:00I See Those "Clairton Guys" Must Have Go...I See Those "Clairton Guys" Must Have Gotten Under Some (TJ Jaguars SKIN). Now they Have Went Outside Of (Pa) For Backup, And Are Callin On The Big Time "Florida Schools". To Beat Clairton, Because They Can't. Now That's Very Very Sad Guys. The Clairton Alum's Never Said They Could Beat Everyone in The United States. Just All The (Pa Teams) That's All Don't Get Mad Just Get Better Ok.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-85313726755152013102010-10-13T14:12:16.291-04:002010-10-13T14:12:16.291-04:001. Not sure if I agree that Ringgold might be cele...1. Not sure if I agree that Ringgold might be celebrating at Heinz Field come Thanksgiving weekend. I follow this team – seen all their games – not sure if I know how good they are. They are playing well but need to play a team that is equal to them and Franklin Reg is that team. Lets talk after OCt 22.<br />2. Clairton – to those who think that they are looked down upon because of demographics (i.e. race), show me where that issue is being used against you? I am not a fan of the Bears and it is soley based on the player’s behavior, the fans behavior, and the coaches decisions. From doing pushups near an opponent’s post-game huddle to the fans wanting more points when the mercy rule is in effect, to taking a knee at the beginning of the 2nd half or reverses on punts when the outcome has been determined, these events have not been deemed to be false and it is these facts that cause me to look down upon this team. <br /><br />There is such a thing as winning with grace and dignity and also allowing your opponent to lose with dignity. Clairton is guilty on all of these charges. When Clairton supporters believe that this is unfair or unfounded, then that is the root of the issue when its so apparent to everyone else outside of the Clairton bubbl if you cant recognize this behavior as over the line.Sarcastic Swordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-5334451902324696542010-10-13T14:09:15.578-04:002010-10-13T14:09:15.578-04:00For All My "Clairton Lovers" On This Blo...For All My "Clairton Lovers" On This Blog Site we can't win. They will find something bad to say about us. So im done with this blog people are some haters period. Yea we celebrate Clairton blowouts and yeah we do it every week, and we have the longest winning streak in PA. We are just good just find us a team to play that can last 3 quarters. I didn't even ask for 4. I just want 3 quarters of some good. (WPIAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL. PLEASE FIND US A GOOD TEAM TO PLAY) Even if you got to put our all Blackhills conference 1st team against us. Wait a minute they would all be from Clairton So that wouldn't work hey you guys think of something.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-88842064353678495872010-10-13T13:19:06.874-04:002010-10-13T13:19:06.874-04:00To anon @ 7:13 am, Let's not talk about TJ'...To anon @ 7:13 am, Let's not talk about TJ's loss to Cocoa Beach. I live in Fort Lauderdale Miami area and believe me when I tell you.. Clairton would be a mismatch down here! Don't get me wrong, i love the WPIAL and that's why I'm here, It's where I am from. But Clairton would not just get beat, they would get steamrolled by South Florida teams. Remember a few years ago, Gateway was ranked 7 in the country in quad A? Opening game of the season they came down and Played Lakeland and got hammered 42-0 if my memory serves me right. And it's no secret. That's why Florida is a hotbed for recrruiters. Chances are that you will see a player from Florida on just about all college rosters. So a loss or even a big loss to a Florida team does not mean much, that is, unless you have no clue about how far more talented the South Florida teams are. St. Thomas Aquinas is among the best teams PERIOD in the country! My point is that Clairton would have had similar fate playing a South Florida Juggernaut. <br /><br />To Anon that talked about TJ with the trashbags at the West Mifflin game: If they did it they it's unnacceptable just like when Clairton does what they do. However, this is the first I hear of TJ doing something wrong and you are the first to say something about it. Clairton's issues are not what you would called "isolated". All teams have their moments but my point is, someone that wins so much should have more tact. Clairton has been talked about week in and week out or their obnoxious and unacceptable behavior. You would not expect that on an ongoing basis from a team that wins in such a dominant manner. It shows no class, kinda like your winning for the first time and have no clue of how to carry yourself.. you know what I mean?Ostaranoreply@blogger.com